No half measures here!

Congratulations to everyone involved with Great Bentley Running Club for putting on yet another excellent half marathon. Just five minutes on the half marathon Facebook page told me how much the race was enjoyed by the 647 finishers. One quote summed it up “Awesome work. The volunteers. The course. The cake. The bacon. The most welcome cup of tea ever. And a PB for me. Thank you GBRC.”

Despite the cold and changeable weather the female course record was broken for the second year running by Ipswich Jaffa’s Helen Davies. It is now 1.15.51 for future reference! We had six club runners taking part this year, plus two tail runners. Paul Hollidge was the first blue vest home in a new PB of 1.33.50, well done Paul! Next home was Colin Farmer in 1.35.33. Vicky Presland was the first Bentley lady crossing the line with her sister. Vicky ran it in 1.39.13. Anna Mills crossed the line in 1.39.25. Deborah Cubberley also ran a new PB for 13.1 miles coming across the line in 1.51.14 – well done Debs! Emma Wakeling is looking after an injury but still managed a great time of 2.01.53.

Sunday morning also saw an outing at Colchester Junior parkrun for Angel Jasper who crossed the 2km finishing line in 10.30.

Saturday morning at 9am might pass by quietly for some but for others it signals the start of their parkrun exertions. In Clacton on Sea Ray Baggs was first across the finish, something that hasn’t happened for a while, maybe the reverse route helped, well done to Ray who finished in 19.33. Ben Ficken and Janice crossed the line in 3rd place with 20.10 ( a course PB for Janice) Sam Godden was the first lady across the line in 20.49. Brian Telford ran in 23.20 and Alison Clarke finished in 30.23. Over in Harwich Matthew Knowles was the sole Bentley runner finishing in 25.32.

Colchester Castle parkrun was host to eleven Bentley blues. First across the line was Russell Clarke in 21.40 followed by Lee Clarkson in 23.05. Tomasz Komorowski got a new PB with a time of 23.34, great running Tomasz! Andy Stephens finished in 23.45. Magdelena Komorowska was the first lady home in 25.37. Paul Hollidge, Scott Young and Deborah Cubberley were next home in 26.09, 26.20 and 26.30 respectively. It was Scott’s 150th parkrun, only 100 until the next tee-shirt! Natalie Warriner finished in 28.04. Jack Wicks crossed the line by the bandstand in 29.12 and Louise Upston completed the hilly course in 32.58.

Finally one of our newest members Robin Oakley went to Chelmsford parkrun and finished 24th in 20.18. He was chasing down his PB, not caught this time but within grasp, maybe Mickey Edwards series Robin? The dates for these are on the website now.